BIO
Leonard Ng Chan was born on April 8, 1984, in Houston, Texas, and spent his early years in Sharpstown before his family moved to Sugarland in 1988. Leonard is the eldest of three siblings and grew up in a culturally rich and supportive household, where his Chinese and Filipino heritage shaped his values and worldview. His father worked as an electrical engineer and his mother was a primary school worker, both instilling in their children a strong commitment to education and individuality. He has remained rooted in Texas ever since, attending Rice University for his undergraduate studies, where he triple majored in political science, religious studies, and history and later earning a master’s degree from the University of Houston in public administration. His passion for politics and policy led him to serve in the Texas Legislature, followed by his current role in administration within the Houston Fire Department, offering insights into the challenges of emergency services, diversity, and recruitment.. Leonard also ran for the Texas House District seat in Sugar Land. Though he did not win, the unwavering support from his friends and family strengthened his leadership and deepened his community connections. Leonard has remained close to home, continuing to live in the Houston area, where he works in public administration and remains actively engaged in local community life. This interview covers Leonard’s journey growing up in a multilingual and multicultural household, his evolving role as the eldest child, and his path to leadership and service through faith, education, and public engagement. It explores his reflections on family responsibilities, identity, and resilience, as well as the influence of his Catholic upbringing rooted in both tradition and intellectual engagement.